At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial management for HS2's groundbreaking infrastructure projects.
- Company: Join Balfour Beatty, a leader in sustainable transport and construction innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a supportive workplace culture.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive environment with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of a landmark project that shapes the future of UK transport.
- Qualifications: BSc/MSc in Quantity Surveying or equivalent; RICS/ICES/CIOB membership preferred.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
At Balfour Beatty, we are proud to be part of the delivery team for HS2, the UK’s flagship high-speed rail programme, and a once-in-a-generation project shaping the future of sustainable transport and construction innovation. Join Balfour Beatty’s Regional Buildings team and help shape one of the most significant infrastructure programmes in the UK. We are currently seeking an experienced Commercial Manager to support the delivery of five reinforced concrete buildings that will house critical Mechanical & Electrical (MEP) plant infrastructure along the HS2 route.
These highly engineered structures form an essential part of HS2’s operational systems, combining heavy civil engineering with complex building construction in a way few projects can match. In this role, you’ll take the commercial lead on a portfolio that demands precision, collaboration, and strategic insight—working with one of the industry’s most respected teams to deliver assets that will serve the UK for generations. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and want to contribute to a landmark national project, we’d love to hear from you.
What you'll be doing
- Governance: Has a good knowledge of and adheres to the Company’s governance requirements and maximises LEAN/digital opportunities.
- Commercial Management: An ability to see the bigger picture. Understands how economic factors affect the construction industry. Awareness of disputes resolution including options, structure, techniques, experts etc. Application of legislation and ability to liaise with legal experts. Preparation of Estimates & Tender submissions including the interpretation of specifications & preambles. Representation of the financial and contractual interests to the client in progress meetings or the like. Willing to take initiative to respond to customer requirements. Manages commercial aspects with Suppliers, Customers and stakeholders to ensure task/project remains on plan. Co-ordination of buying, accounts, production control/planning, supply chain management & procurement techniques, estimating & surveying functions. Management and reporting of Commercial Risk and Opportunity. Management of disallowed cost.
- Commercial Administration: Provides commercial input to Buildability and Value Engineering reviews. Manages the feedback of commercial data to Planning and Estimating. Maximises digital opportunities. Supports the review of tenders & cost data. Manages the preparation of Target Cost for a Project. Coordinates the commercial team to ensure programme issues are identified and actioned. Manages the preparation and review of Earned Value Management. Manages the monthly Cost and Value Reconciliation (CVR) and associated commercial reports. Reports and explains the commercial aspects of a Project. Manages the feedback of commercial data to Planning, Estimating, Marketing and Sales.
- Procurement: Establishes client supply chain requirements & advises on alternative forms of contract & procurement arrangements. Formulation and management of plans for resource procurement.
Who we're looking for
- BSc or MSc in Quantity Surveying or equivalent
- Membership of RICS, ICES or CIOB (or working towards)
- CSCS Card (Professional Qualified Person)
Why work for us
Day in, day out, our teams deliver some of the UK’s most ambitious, exciting and meaningful projects; developing, building and maintaining the vital infrastructure that supports national economies and strengthens communities.
Benefits:
- Smart working, giving you more flexibility such as staggered start and finish times, with up to 40% remote working, where roles allow.
- 25 days paid annual leave (pro rata)
- Family friendly policies which include 28 weeks full pay for maternity/adoption leave and four weeks full pay for paternity/partners leave
- Pension, share incentive plan, volunteering leave, recognition schemes and much more…
Diversity and inclusion: At Balfour Beatty we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential components of any successful, happy workplace. Through our Value Everyone Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan, we are growing our diverse workforce and developing our inclusive culture where everyone is able to thrive and reach their full potential, regardless of their identity or background.
To help and support us with our desired commitment to create an inclusive culture we are members of WISE, enei, Business Disability Forum and the Association for Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers (AFBE). In 2020, we signed the Audeliss and Involve Open Letter to demonstrate our commitment to taking key long term and sustainable actions on Black Inclusion. Balfour Beatty is also a Gold Award holder in the Ministry of Defence 'Employer Recognition Scheme' and actively encourage applications from Armed Forces personnel, veterans and reservists. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to working with people who have disabilities and long-term health conditions to remove barriers for them in obtaining employment. We are also committed to offering applicants with a disability an interview if they meet the minimum requirements for the role.
Commercial Manager employer: Balfour
Balfour Beatty is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can contribute to the UK's most significant infrastructure projects, such as HS2. With a strong focus on employee well-being, we provide smart working options, generous leave policies, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, ensuring that every team member can thrive and grow in their career. Join us to be part of a collaborative culture that values innovation and supports your professional development while making a lasting impact on communities across England and Wales.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Balfour, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Commercial Manager at Balfour.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Balfour
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!